DWP £360 Financial Boost for State Pensioners: This April, millions of pensioners across the UK are receiving a small but welcome boost in their bank accounts. From April 7, 2025, the UK State Pension has increased by 4.1%, offering extra financial support to more than 12 million pensioners.
Depending on when you retired and which State Pension scheme you’re under, you could receive up to £470 more per year. Some pensioners will also get their payments earlier than usual this month due to Easter bank holidays.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new rates, who qualifies, how much extra you’ll get, and when to expect your money.
How Much Has the State Pension Increased in April 2025?
The 4.1% increase in State Pension is based on the Average Weekly Earnings index from May to July 2025. It applies to both the basic State Pension and the new State Pension. Here’s how much more pensioners will now receive:
Basic State Pension (For those who retired before April 6, 2016)
This applies to men born before April 6, 1951, and women born before April 6, 1953.
Old rate: £169.50 per week
New rate: £176.45 per week
Increase: £6.95 per week
Total annual increase: £360
Monthly total (every 4 weeks): £705.80
New State Pension (For those who retired on or after April 6, 2016)
This applies to men born on or after April 6, 1951, and women born on or after April 6, 1953.
Old rate: £221.20 per week
New rate: £230.25 per week
Increase: £9.05 per week
Total annual increase: £470
Monthly total (every 4 weeks): £921.00
Who Will Get Paid Early This Month?
Because Easter includes two bank holidays—Good Friday (April 18) and Easter Monday (April 21)—some pensioners will receive their payments earlier than usual.
If your regular State Pension payment falls on April 18 or April 21, you’ll receive your money on Thursday, April 17 instead. This adjustment ensures that pensioners are not left waiting over the long holiday weekend.
How to Check Your Usual Payment Day
Your regular payment day depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number. Here’s how the payment days are decided:
00 to 19 – Monday
20 to 39 – Tuesday
40 to 59 – Wednesday
60 to 79 – Thursday
80 to 99 – Friday
If your NI number ends in 00–19 or 80–99, your payment is usually scheduled for a Monday or Friday, which could fall on a bank holiday this month. In that case, you’ll get paid earlier on April 17.
Do I Need to Do Anything If My Payment Date Changes?
No action is needed. If your payment date is affected by the Easter bank holidays, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically send your money early, and it will go into your usual bank, building society, or credit union account as normal.
The DWP has confirmed:
“Benefits are usually paid straight into your bank, building society or credit union account. If your payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you’ll usually be paid on the working day before.”
The 4.1% increase in the State Pension this April brings a helpful financial boost for UK pensioners—especially in times of rising living costs. While the extra cash is modest, it can still make a real difference over the year. And with Easter bank holidays coming up, it’s also important to check if your payment date has been moved.
Thankfully, the DWP will handle everything automatically, so you don’t have to worry. Just keep an eye on your account, especially if your NI number places you in the Monday or Friday group.
FAQ
How much has the State Pension increased in 2024?
The State Pension increased by 4.1% from April 7, 2024. This means an extra £9.05 per week for those on the new State Pension and £6.95 per week for those on the basic State Pension.
Who gets the basic State Pension?
Men born before April 6, 1951, and women born before April 6, 1953, receive the basic State Pension.
Who gets the new State Pension?
Men born on or after April 6, 1951, and women born on or after April 6, 1953, receive the new State Pension.
When will State Pension be paid if it falls on Easter weekend?
If your payment is due on April 18 (Good Friday) or April 21 (Easter Monday), you will get paid early on Thursday, April 17.
How can I check my regular pension payment day?
Your payment day depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. For example, numbers ending in 00–19 are paid on Mondays, and 80–99 on Fridays.
